For working families in New Mexico, the cost of childcare is less of a financial burden than it is for parents in many other states. With a low cost of living and relatively low unemployment at 6.6 percent, childcare is affordable for New Mexicans at an average of $7,300 per year for an infant cared for in a day care center. For the 22,000 families struggling to afford childcare, the state provides assistance to help with the expense. The good news continues as children get older; the average cost of a four year college in New Mexico is only $5,169, also less than the national average.
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Most children in New Mexico are cared for in childcare centers, which collectively employ over 4,000 people in New Mexico. These centers are regulated by the state to ensure quality. Background checks are done on every staff member and volunteer to make every effort to keep children safe. Childcare centers are also ranked by quality on a STAR system. The maximum ranking of five stars means that the center is meeting and maintaining all requirements and has national accreditation status. Twenty percent of the childcare centers in New Mexico are nationally accredited.
Childcare providers and families in New Mexico utilize the services of NewMexicoKids, the state’s Child Care Resource and Referral service. NewMexicoKids maintains a database of childcare providers and provides resources to parents searching for a caregiver for their child(ren). Providers use the service to get additional information and training. An average of twelve providers in New Mexico attends each training session. The NewMexicoKids website provides links to resources related to health, safety, and nutrition.
Though the warm climate attracts many people to the Land of Enchantment, there are plenty of winter attractions in New Mexico. There is snowboarding at Angel Fire and skiing at Red River. Tens of thousands of people come each year to see the incredible holiday light display at ABQ Biopark Botanical Garden. New Mexico’s rich cultural heritage shows in the fact that the state has more than 60 museums, ranging from arts and history to science and UFOs.
